A groundbreaking global report, AI-Powered Cities of the Future, published by Deloitte and ThoughtLab, highlights a key trend: cities worldwide—from Singapore to San Francisco, Nairobi to Paris—are quickly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to transform public services, infrastructure, and economic growth. These cities are leveraging AI’s data-driven capabilities to enhance everything from traffic management to public health. Yet, Nigeria—Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation—remains noticeably absent from the list of global AI leaders.
No Nigerian city, including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, or Kaduna, ranks among the 49 cities leading in AI-powered urban innovation. Even more concerning, none have entered the “advancers” group, where cities are scaling their AI capabilities. Meanwhile, countries like Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania are rapidly progressing in this space. Nigerian leaders in government, business, and industry must now ask, why is Nigeria falling behind?
The Current Reality: Why Nigeria’s Cities Aren’t Ready for the Future
Nigeria’s urban centers still face significant challenges in adopting modern technologies. Most cities remain mired in manual processes, outdated data systems, and slow public services, which are far from the innovative solutions seen in other parts of the world. Several factors contribute to this lag:
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Absence of a national AI policy for cities.
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Insufficient investment in digital infrastructure and data systems.
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Limited AI skills across public and private sectors.
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A lack of funding for AI research and its application in critical sectors.
While countries like the UAE have established a Ministry of AI, Singapore rolled out a national AI strategy in 2019, and Kenya’s Digital Master Plan incorporates AI, Nigeria’s draft National AI Strategy is still just a draft. It’s time to move beyond paper and start taking action.
Why Nigeria Must Adopt AI—Now More Than Ever
AI is no longer a futuristic luxury; it is the backbone of the digital transformation driving economies globally. For Nigeria, AI represents the infrastructure needed to enhance urban efficiency, safety, and overall economic growth. From streamlining traffic to improving healthcare and governance, AI applications are reshaping cities across the world. Imagine:
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Lagos is using AI-driven predictive analytics to tackle traffic congestion, waste management, and flooding.
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Abuja is automating citizen services with AI to eliminate bureaucratic red tape.
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Port Harcourt is deploying smart waste management systems to enhance urban cleanliness.
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Kano and Kaduna are leveraging AI for improved public safety through cutting-edge surveillance.
These outcomes are not distant dreams; they are already being achieved in cities like Singapore and Dubai and regional leaders such as Dar es Salaam and Dakar.
The High Cost of Inaction: Falling Behind Global Competitors
By ignoring AI, Nigeria risks widening its development gap with the rest of the world. AI leaders are not only better prepared to tackle challenges like climate change and economic disruptions but also drive efficiency, transparency, and greater citizen engagement. Without swift action, Nigeria may fall behind and miss out on the transformative opportunities AI offers.
Actionable Steps for Nigeria’s Cities to Join the AI Race
For Nigeria to join the ranks of AI-powered cities, decisive actions must be taken at every level of government and across all sectors. Here are practical steps for Nigerian decision-makers:
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Create a National Urban AI Strategy
Nigeria must develop a comprehensive “Nigeria AI City Strategy,” with clear policies, incentives, and regulations that drive AI adoption in urban planning and public service delivery.
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Invest in Digital Infrastructure
To support AI initiatives, Nigeria must invest in robust digital infrastructure. This includes deploying smart sensors, cloud-based platforms, and open data systems. Public-private partnerships will be critical for modernizing the country’s infrastructure.
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Appoint Chief AI Officers
Following the example of cities like Dubai, Nigerian states and local governments should appoint Chief AI Officers or AI commissioners. These leaders will be responsible for championing AI projects, fostering training, and ensuring accountability in the use of AI technologies.
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Develop Local Talent and Ecosystems
Nigeria needs to invest in education by incorporating AI and data science into school curricula. Collaborating with universities, technical institutions, and innovation hubs will help create a pipeline of homegrown AI talent. Launching AI boot camps, offering scholarships, and forming partnerships with global tech companies will nurture a thriving local tech ecosystem.
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Empower Local Startups
Nigeria must support its innovators by creating “AI Sandboxes” where local startups can test and scale their AI solutions. Easing regulatory requirements and providing funding will allow startups to flourish and develop groundbreaking AI technologies.
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Launch Pilot Projects in Key Sectors
Start small but think big. Nigerian cities can begin with pilot projects in areas like AI for agriculture in Kaduna, AI-powered chatbots for public services, smart traffic management in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, and AI tools for education in various states. Successful pilot projects can build momentum and demonstrate the viability of AI on a larger scale.
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Ensure Ethical AI Practices
It is vital to establish governance frameworks that protect citizens’ privacy, mitigate biases, and ensure that AI technologies benefit everyone. Ethical AI deployment will foster public trust and help secure long-term success.
The Future of Nigeria: AI as the Digital Backbone
AI is quickly becoming the new electricity that powers modern cities. According to the Deloitte and ThoughtLab report, AI-driven innovations will contribute billions to national economies by 2030. For Nigeria, embracing AI is not just about technological progress—it’s about creating jobs, improving public services, driving economic growth, and enhancing national security.
Nigeria has the resources needed to succeed—a vibrant tech community, a youthful population, and international recognition for creativity and adaptability. What’s missing now is a bold vision, strategic commitment, and political will at all levels of government. The digital revolution is here, and it’s time for Nigerian cities to catch up, harness AI’s potential, and secure a better future for all.
